Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has criticised US President Donald Trump, saying the American leader has “no right” to threaten other nations.
In an interview with Spanish daily El País published Thursday, Lula was responding to Trump’s recent warning that “a whole civilization will die” in Iran if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz.
“Trump has no right to wake up in the morning and threaten a country,” Lula said, noting that the US Constitution divides authority over war and foreign policy between Congress and the president.
“It is essential that powerful leaders take greater responsibility in maintaining peace,” the 80-year-old added.
Lula and Trump remain deeply divided on key issues, including multilateralism, global trade and climate change. Relations between Brasília and Washington have been strained, though a meeting between the two leaders last year helped ease tensions and led to some tariff reductions.
Lula also renewed his call for reform of the United Nations Security Council, advocating the removal of veto powers held by its five permanent members and greater representation for countries from Africa and Latin America.
“It is time to redefine the United Nations to give it credibility—otherwise Trump is right,” he said, referring to the US president’s criticism that the post-World War II global order is no longer effective.
Lula made the remarks ahead of his visit to Spain, where he is set to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and attend a gathering of progressive leaders in Barcelona.
Other participants expected at the forum include Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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